Jasper County libraries ask for funding

Beth McNeer wants Jasper County to know of the importance of libraries. So do the libraries’ thousands of users. Last week McNeer, of the Allendale-Hampton-Jasper Regional Library System, and a few library patrons were at the Jasper County Council budget workshop.

According to McNeer, in the past year, 24,664 people used the county’s libraries. There are 24,777 people in the county, according to the 2010 census.

McNeer said funding is based on the 2000 census, at $6.90 per capita, and is requesting that the county fund the libraries based on the 2010 census data at the same per capita rate.

“That would be $170,961.30,” McNeer said. “I know I’m not going to get that all in one year, but I would like to see the council tell its citizens that libraries are important by increasing the amount that is received in the coming years.”

McNeer said while she’s not the best person to tell the council how the libraries are used, the people who attended the meeting with her are.

Several people spoke, giving their stories about using the computers and books at the libraries. They described a place where they can go to read, to check out books and, for those without Internet access, using the libraries’ computers for job searches.

Librarians said equipment such as computers needed to be replaced, and that repairs to the buildings needed to be made, especially to the back rooms of Ridgeland’s Pratt Memorial Library. Expansions should be considered for Hardeeville’s library, which is in an 800-square-foot building.

It was noted that while reading programs and events continue at the libraries, most of those have had to change because of lack of funding, going to either free programs or reducing the number of events offered.

“I utilize that library a lot,” said Chris Joyner, a Ridgeland resident. “Many of us can’t afford Internet at home. I have friends who serve in the Marine Corps, and they’re all over the world. The Internet is the most practical way for me to keep up with them and see what’s going on in their lives.

“I have seen retirees walk into the Pratt Memorial Library with a big stack of books, turn them in and walk out with another big stack of books,” Joyner said. “Over the years, they’ve developed a love of reading, but probably can’t afford to go to a book store and just buy books like that. The library is vital to them. In their retirement years, being on a fixed income, they need that resource.”

Joyner said that the libraries serve the community in ways that the council may not be aware of, allowing seniors and those who are of lesser means not only a way to get internet access but, in the summer, to allow people a way to get out of the heat for a while if they don’t have air conditioning.

After discussing the library’s budget with the council, and answering questions by council members, it was noted that the library’s budget has been cut to bare bones already.

“We don’t have anything left to cut but hours,” McNeer said.

Also at the budget workshop:

-Karl Roache with the Council on Aging, gave a presentation describing the services that the Council on Aging does to help keep about 350 senior citizens in Jasper County living independently. The agency offers programs throughout the county, including Meals On Wheels, classes, dances trips and picnics for seniors to keep them in contact with the community.

Roache detailed the finances of the group, and said that while they are not asking for an increase in funding from the county, they would like to have the option of coming back if the funding is necessary. The county funds, totaling $100,000 annually, may not be enough if budget cuts from other sources continue.

The Council on Aging has seen cuts of $100,000 in Federal funding so far and is looking at the possibility of cuts in Low Country Council of Government’s future funding.

“Our backs are kind of going to be against the wall,” Roache said. “This is going to be a tight year for us,” Roache said, “but it’s going to be a tight year for everyone.”

- Tedd Moyd of Jasper County Neighbors United also said that his organization, which is given $30,000 annually by the county, did not need any budget increases.

Among other projects and programs offered to the public, the group is refurbishing Mercy Circle Apartments in Hardeeville, with the exterior of the apartments being completed recently and the interior work beginning.

Moyd has been working with County Administrator Andrew Fulghum to make JCNU the Housing Authority for Jasper County.

“There’s no reason that we should have to go all the way to Barnwell for services when we could do that here in the county,” Moyd said.

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